plate no. 5386

Self portrait as an ARP WWII warden

oilExpressionismself-portraitportraitfigurehatwardenuniform

some experience helpful

This painting is great for learning impasto techniques and how to build form with visible brushstrokes. Students will practice color mixing to achieve realistic skin tones and capture the subject's likeness.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 12 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes and proportions of the head, hat, and shoulders.
step 02
Block in the main areas of color with thin washes, focusing on the overall value structure.
step 03
Begin building up thicker layers of paint, using short, directional brushstrokes to define the forms.
step 04
Pay close attention to the highlights and shadows on the face, using thicker paint for the highlights.
step 05
Add details to the hat and uniform, using smaller brushes and more precise strokes.
step 06
Refine the edges and blend colors where necessary, but maintain the overall impressionistic style.
step 07
Add final touches and highlights to bring the portrait to life.
step 08
Allow to dry and varnish.

color palette

primary · titanium white · ultramarine blue · burnt umber · yellow ochre

secondary · cadmium red · ivory black

Mix various combinations of white, umber, ochre, and a touch of red to achieve the skin tones. Use ultramarine blue and black for the darker areas of the hat and uniform. Add white to the blue for highlights.

techniques